Building Inspector Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $54,782 (2026)

Building Inspector Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median building inspector salary of $54,782, which is $3,822 below the North Carolina state average of $58,604. Compared to the national median of $63,700, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,782 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for building inspectors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for building inspectors in Winston-Salem spans from $34,400 at the 10th percentile to $87,720 at the 90th percentile — a $53,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Building Inspector Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level building inspector earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,120

$-5,880 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$34,400	$36,800	$40,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$46,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$54,782	$58,604	$63,700
75th Percentile	$70,520	$75,440	$82,000
90th Percentile	$87,720	$93,840	$102,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$34,400

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$54,782

75th Percentile

$70,520

90th Percentile

$87,720

How to Become a Building Inspector in Winston-Salem

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Building Inspector make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median building inspector salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $54,782 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $34,400 (10th percentile) to $87,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,782, a building inspector in Winston-Salem earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for building inspector pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median building inspector salary of $54,782 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $58,604. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a building inspector salary of $54,782 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most building inspector positions in Winston-Salem require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Building Inspector Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina